Peppermint

An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines are one type of dietary supplement. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or improve their health.

Many people believe that products labeled "natural" are always safe and good for them. This is not necessarily true. Herbal medicines do not have to go through the testing that drugs do. Some herbs, such as comfrey and ephedra, can cause serious harm. Some herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

If you are thinking about using an herbal medicine, first get information on it from reliable sources. Make sure to tell your health care provider about any herbal medicines you are taking.

NIH: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.

Physician's Materia Medica on Peppermint

CHLORODYNE
A popular combination of anodynes much used for relief of colic, cholera morbus and spasmodic pains in general. Each fluidrachm contains; Morphine Hydrochloride, 3-8 gr.; Tincture Cannabis Indica 11 1/4 M; Acid Hydrocyanic, diluted, 1 1/8 M; Chloroform, 5 3/4 M]; Oil Peppermint, 3-16 M; Tincture Capsicum, §/3 Ill. Dose for an adult, 0.3 to 1.0 c. c. (5 to 15 M), repeated in % to 1 hour when necessary to control pain.¹

MENTHOL
Stearopten obtained from PEPPERMINT and other species of Mentha and representing the medicinal activity of these plants. Carminative, stimulant, anodyne, antiseptic. Used chiefly as a local anodyne, especially for relief of neuralgic pain.¹

NEUTRALIZING CORDIAL (Compound Syrup of Rhubarb and Potassa. N. F.)
Stomachic, laxative, antacid. A favorite remedy with many for certain dyspeptlc conditions, in which constipation and acidity of the stomach are prominent symptoms. Each fluidrachm repre sents; Rhubarb, 2 1/4 grs.; Cinnamon 1 1/8 grs.; Golden-seal, 1 1/8 grs.; Potassium Bicarb., 2 1/4 grs-; Oil Peppermint, 3-50 M Dose, 4 to 8 c. c. (1 to 2 fluidrachms) when distress is felt after eating. It is best taken as much as two hours after a meal.¹

PEPPERMINT^MEPI
The leaves and tops of MENTHA PIPERITA. Lin. Carminative, antispasmodic, anodyne. Used in flatulent colic, in dysmenorrhea and for relief of nausea. Most important active constituent, Mento1, q. v. The official volatile oil may be given in doses of 0.06 to 0.20 c. c. (1 to 3 M).¹

References

1) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.